First Festus-Crystal City demonstrates enthusiasm for its local mission field
About 80 volunteer to share their love
Jefferson County Leader
FESTUS – Parks, homes and other buildings in the Festus area got a facelift June 18-22, thanks to members of the First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City.
Church members were on a mission to help local residents and spruce up the area.
They painted the Girl Scout House on Ann Street in Festus and repairing two different homes in Festus.
City employees recommended the two homes for repair, said First Baptist member and spokeswoman Monica Young.
“There’s one on Cliff Drive where we’re doing some pretty major work,” she said. “It’s a single mom and two boys. She doesn’t have the ability or money to fix it up, and that’s why they (city staff) suggested we help. We tore off the back porch and the carport, and their (volunteers’) overall plan is to replace the carport and porch. We had to jack up the house and repair the footing. And, they’re doing a lot of yard work there, and they will power wash and paint the house.
“There’s a house on North Mill Street, and it’s also a single mom and another one they (city personnel) got us working on. They (volunteers) are working on repairing the garage, and they’ll put a new door on the garage. They’ll do power washing and painting, too.”
“We have several people working at Jokerst Park,” Young said. “We sanded and painted all the tables and all the barbecue pits and pavilions. And, we’re going to seal the skate park and paint the ramps for the skateboarders. We’re going to put an American flag on one and different colors on the others.
“We’re also working at Sunset Park, sanding and painting the tables and playground equipment. The building that’s used for concerts, we’re going to repaint that, and the bathrooms. Also, there’s some blacktop in front of the stage, and we’re going to put a sealer on that.”
The group also planned two free car washes. One was held June 20 at the 7-Eleven store on Veterans Boulevard in Festus, and the other June 22 at Spinning Wheels Skate Center in Festus.
Some volunteers toured the town, ministering to local residents.
“We have three groups going out, walking through town, having a prayer walk and handing out water and light bulbs and sharing the love of Christ, saying He’s the light of the world,” Young said. “We’re going to try to do random acts of kindness if we hear about things that people need, whether it’s cutting grass or trimming shrubs. Last year, we purchased air conditioners for two people. Whatever the need is, we’re hoping God will allow us to fill that. We want to let the community know we’re there for them. If they need anything, we’d like to help them.”
Some of the volunteers worked at the church, preparing lunch for the workers and delivering snacks and water to the job sites, Young said.
“And we invite people to come back for lunch with us,” she said.
About 80 members of the church volunteered on June 18, the first day of the local mission work. More than 100 helped during the week-long project, Young said.
This is the second year the church has organized a local mission project.
“One of the main reasons we stay in town and do our mission is so more members can share and give of their time,” she said.
Money for the projects was donated by members of the church, Young said. Wes Evans, minister to students, served as coordinator for the week. (This story is published with permission from the Jefferson County Leader.)
